We have two dogs, Opie (little, but older) terrier/poodle, and Simon (much bigger, but much younger) lab/collie/husky. Opie has always had Velcro-like tendencies with me, and although it can be trying, it wasn’t really a big deal. Until now.
We recently moved across country and Opie started urinating in the new house when I was at work. We had him checked by a vet that found nothing medical going on, so it’s mental. He used to be kenneled as a puppy, but not for years and when we used a plastic travel kennel, he would escape. We have no idea how. Once, we even put a bungee cord around the kennel to keep the door shut. He got out and the cord was still done up. He also destroyed the bottom of a door, trying to get out of a room when he was accidentally shut in.
We bought a different style of kennel and for the past week, he has been put in there. When I would get home, he would be a little drools and obviously stressed, but okay physically. Until today - his nose is all cut up from trying to break out.
Any suggestions? He is a GREAT little dog, except for this. Anyone dealt with this before?
Maybe he needs something to occupy his time in the kennel. Do you have a chew toy or bone in there with him? It might keep his mind off of escaping. Or you could try walking him before you leave for work. He might want a nap after the exercise.
In another thread, a poster talked about leaving the TV on. Perhaps having the background noise of a TV or radio would make him feel more comfortable if your dog is used to noises while you’re home.
The previous owners of your home may have had pets and perhaps your dog is urinating in your house to mask the other animals scent.
I do give him a few things to chew on, including a Kong stuffed with treats. The house was complete gutted and renovated before us, and this is not normal marking. Last night’s nose injury was after a good wlk - he should have been tired.
I may have to look into sedating him, I suppose. Was really hoping not to do that.
What have you done to re-acclimate him to the kennel? You mention that he has not been crated for many years. Try crating him when you are in the house and can give him treats every so often. You want to convince him that being in the crate is “normal” and a happy, rewarding experience. You also want to keep to a schedule so that the dog knows when he will be crated and does not perceive it as a punishment. I would crate the dog at night and keep him by your bed, so that he comes to understand that the crate is his “home” (or “den”). If you let him roam during the night and only crate during the day, he probably views it as a aberration or punishment.
We’ll try the crate in the bedroom, he always just stays on the bed, never gets down, unless he has to go out (which he whines for, and pretty rarely). It’s worth a shot.